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STUDIES ON THE FATE OF PLASMA PROTHROMBIN

W DE W Andrus, J W Lord, J T Kauer

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |January 12, 1940
    PubMed

    Insights

    Blood plasma prothrombin levels decrease in the lungs. This study found lower prothrombin in left ventricle blood compared to right, suggesting pulmonary prothrombin consumption.

    Area of Science:

    • Hematology
    • Pulmonary Medicine
    • Physiology

    Background:

    • Plasma prothrombin is a crucial clotting factor.
    • The lungs' role in blood coagulation is not fully understood.
    • Previous research suggests organs can consume or produce blood components.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate plasma prothrombin levels in different parts of the circulatory system.
    • To determine if the lungs affect plasma prothrombin concentration.
    • To explore the physiological basis for observed prothrombin level differences.

    Main Methods:

    • Blood samples were collected from the right and left ventricles.
    • Blood was also sampled from the arterial and venous systems of various organs (head, liver, spleen, intestine, kidney, hind limbs).
    • Plasma prothrombin levels were measured and compared across sample sites.

    Main Results:

    • Plasma prothrombin levels were consistently lower in left ventricle blood compared to right ventricle blood (average decrease of 10.6%).
    • This reduction was observed in 85% of samples, with no instances of lower levels in the right ventricle.
    • No significant differences in prothrombin levels were found in blood from the head, liver, spleen, intestine, kidney, or hind limbs.

    Conclusions:

    • The lungs appear to consume plasma prothrombin during blood circulation.
    • This consumption may be linked to the lung's production of blood platelets.
    • Platelet disintegration releases thromboplastin, initiating prothrombin conversion to thrombin, a key step in blood clotting.

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